Even experienced birders have problems identifying certain species. The multitude of similar-looking warblers, gulls, waders and ‘little brown jobs’ sometimes seem to exist solely to confuse birdwatchers. There are pros and cons to this approach: a good photograph is often the best way to identify a bird, but not always; illustrations often subtly highlight certain aspects of a bird’s appearance, which is useful in differentiating similar species in the field. Thompson writes novels that combine elements of fable, mystery fiction, fairytale and the uncanny. In The Falconer, a young woman takes a secretarial position in a remote Scottish manor house in the 1930s, determined to find out what happened to her predecessor, her late sister. It’s the dreamlike quality of this novel that places it just ahead of Barry Hines’s A Kestrel for a Knave among my favourite fictions about falconers. The panel felt that Gulls of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East would make a good first guide for those new to ‘gulling’, as well as providing an expert reference for those who have been dedicated birders for decades.

A new lay-flat binding has also been used, creating easier access to the species accounts at home or in the field. The information on each species isn’t quite as thorough as that in the RSPB Handbook, but the identification tips are extremely good. That, combined with the high quality of the photos, means Britain’s Birds will prove highly useful both in the field and at home as you study in readiness for your next birding adventure. Because the Helm Guide features only ‘confusion’ species, it’s not an ideal book for the beginner. However, for someone who wants to take their bird identification to the next level, it’s the ideal reference book.

For the third year in a row, judging for BBBY was held on Zoom, with Paul French, Sarah Harris and Stephen Menzie representing British Birdsand Hazel McCambridge, Maria Scullion and Jenna Woodford representing BTO. As Martin Collinson put it in his review of this title, ‘This book makes the case that vagrancy in birds matters.’ Indeed, the judges were impressed by the easily accessible way that this title presented theories on vagrancy – and its importance to a host of ornithological events, from the formation of new migration routes to speciation, as vagrants create new populations on isolated islands that eventually evolve into new species. There is also an impressive amount of research summarised in the family-by-family section, which discusses extralimital records of various species as well as detailing interesting theories and observations on the vagrancy tendencies of birds in the given family. This book offers something for all birders and ornithologists, from rarity hunters to conservationists studying habitat loss, and was, therefore, recognised by the judges as being one of the most useful titles of 2022. As a child, my favourite Ladybird books were Garden Birds, Heath and Woodland Birds and Birds of Prey. The author’s illustrations imprinted themselves on my mind so that when I look at them now I have to make an effort to separate feelings of nostalgia from the impulse to formulate a critical or aesthetic response. There’s something charmingly idealised about the way different species all get along as they stand about on the lawn or perch in a bush, and there’s an extraordinary, almost occult power in the way Leigh-Pemberton renders the quality of twilight. The text and maps in the Collins Bird Guide are about as small as they could be while still remaining useable, which is something you may want to bear in mind if your eyes aren’t as hawk-like as they once were.

A round-up of the best British bird books for 2023. Find out which guide will be accompanying us on our birding trips this year… This book about vagrancy - a potentially dense and academic subject - offers something for all birders and ornithologists, from birdwatchers and rarity seekers to conservationists studying habitat loss. As a result of its wide appeal, the judges recognised this title as one of the most useful titles of 2022.List of Common British Birds With Pictures & Facts: 25 Species That You Need To Know! For Children & Adults. For even more birdwatching gear, take a look at our garden bird guide or invest in some of the best kit for wildlife watchers. Alternatively, treat friends and family to some gifts for bird lovers. The best British bird identification books to buy in 2023 Whenever I want to re-enter the avian world, whether inside or outside my head, these are on my list. The RSPB Handbook of British Birds contains information on over 300 species that can be seen in Britain. It is always great to know a little bit more about the birds visiting your garden. Browse a selection of the best British bird identification books to help you recognise the different species in your local area. Britain’s Birds (Second Edition)

By Alexander Lees and James Gilroy; Helm, 2022; reviewed in BBby Martin Collinson ( Brit. Birds115: 231–232) and for BTO by Paul Stancliffe. If you want more information about the birds you see - their habits, food and migration, for example - this is the guide for you. Covers 280 species - everything you are likely to see in Britain - and is written by two lifelong birders who are able to communicate concisely and clearly. Excellent illustrations.An initial vote from each of the judges determined the shortlist, with 11 of the 45 eligible titles going forward to the second round. The final vote took place in mid December, with the usual lively discussion and debate between the judges before they cast their votes to determine the winning title. It was tight at the top, with just a few points separating the winner from second and third place. The RSPB guide is a similar size to the Collins, yet covers only British species, meaning that there is more space for information on each species. As well as identification tips, you’ll also find facts on population, nesting season, brood size, and lifespan; all useful for building up a picture of a bird’s lifestyle.